An Introduction to a Library material management and security control system - Radio Frequency ldentification (RFID) technology

Abstract

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) allows an item, (i.e. library book) to be tracked and communicated with by using radio waves. There are several methods of identification, but the most common is to store a serial number that identifies a person or object, and perhaps other information, on a microchip that is attached to an antenna. In a library environment, RFlD technology resembles a traditional barcode system in that it provides a means of assigning an ID to an item and reading that ID to perform circulation transactions or to take inventory. Introducing RFID, a library is able to identify and locate even the most remotely out of place item and helps to speed inventory process, and enhances the customer experience by increasing product availability and delivering faster checkouts. This allows the library to improve its circulation and inventory control, which helps to optimize the allocation of labour and financial resources. Self-service checkout and check-in are enjoying greater and greater acceptance at libraries around the world. With no special item orientations required or scan line to find customers enjoy an extremely high self- service success rate. So our libraries can further increase the number of customers who use this time- and labour-saving technology. The driver for today's libraries to adopt RFlD is the need to increase efficiency and reduce cost. Automation and self-service can help libraries of all sizes toward achieving these aims, and RFlD has the added advantage that it can also provide security for the range of different media on offer in libraries.